Association hopes to repair Cape Verde Cultural Center

Sunday

Feb 26, 2012 at 12:01 AM

NEW BEDFORD — Throughout its 12 years of existence, New Bedford's Cape Verdean Association has promoted Cape Verdean culture in the city. Now, the association hopes to create a permanent home by repairing its Cultural Center at 1157 Acushnet Ave.

JOHN GARCIA

NEW BEDFORD — Throughout its 12 years of existence, New Bedford's Cape Verdean Association has promoted Cape Verdean culture in the city. Now, the association hopes to create a permanent home by repairing its Cultural Center at 1157 Acushnet Ave.

The building, which formerly served as the Strand Theatre and is the oldest theater in New Bedford, was acquired by the association in 1992. The group had used it for several events over the years, including 1997's Miss Cape Verde pageant, but it has since fallen into disrepair.

"We want to bring that building as close as possible to what it used to look like," Association Vice President Adonis Ferreira said.

Once renovated, the building will be used for community events as well as for the arts. Association President Raquel Diaz said she hopes to bring artists and musicians from overseas to perform. The center would be able to hold between 300 and 400 people for events.

The association also hopes to have a Cape Verdean consulate office on site. Currently, the nearest such office is in Boston.

"To have a consulate office in New Bedford would be great," Chief Financial Officer Scott Lima said.

Ferreira said the center would benefit more than just the Cape Verdean community. "It's an association that welcomes everyone," he said.

The association has already begun to discuss renovations with contractors with the hope of beginning to repair the structure's roof in June or July. The next step would be to refurbish the building's facade.

Lima noted that the city was planning on turning the area between Acushnet Avenue and Sawyer Street into the Acushnet Avenue International Marketplace. He expressed hope that the repairs would turn the Cultural Center into the area's signature building. "We're at the gateway," he said.

The association must raise money in order to accomplish these goals. Repairs are estimated to be more than $200,000. In addition to applying for grants, members hope to form strategic partnerships with local businesses and non-profit groups that could assist with their fundraising.

Diaz noted that those interested in donating money or volunteering to assist with the project can contact the group at www.cvanb.org. Donations can also be made through a Paypal link on the website.